The Great Southern, WA – Where Coastlines, Cabernets & Cabin Escapes Collide
Monica Tindall
We discover the best of gourmet travel in Western Australia’s Great Southern region—where cool-climate wines, forest-fringed beaches, and exceptional local dining come together. From vineyard lunches in Denmark to mind-blowing accommodation in Albany, we explore the top places to eat, drink, and stay. Just over five hours from Kuala Lumpur with direct flights on AirAsia to Perth, the Great Southern offers a delicious under-the-radar escape for food and wine lovers.
The Great Southern WA
If the Margaret River region is the extroverted eldest child of WA wine country, the Great Southern is its quiet, brilliant younger sibling—the one who read Proust at 12, knows how to forage for mushrooms, and always brings a great bottle of riesling to dinner. It’s the largest wine-producing region in Western Australia by area and among the most varied, stretching from Albany’s blustery coastline to the foothills of the Stirling Ranges. But don’t let the distances deter you. Here, road-tripping is part of the pleasure, and every backroad seems to lead to another vineyard, cosy hideaway, or coastal trail worth lingering on.
The Great Southern rewards the curious and delights the palate. Expect cool-climate wines that rival Europe, produce-driven kitchens with paddock-to-plate ethos, and landscapes that swing dramatically from windswept beaches to snow gum-covered peaks. In short: bring your hiking boots and your appetite.
Great Southern WA – Naturally Gifted
Nature’s not just a backdrop here—it’s the headline act. Begin inland at the Stirling Range National Park, home to Bluff Knoll, the park’s highest peak and one of the few places in the state where snow occasionally falls (it did twice on our trip!). Hikers often set off before sunrise to catch the first light across the plains. Nearby, the Porongurup Range offers shorter walks with big pay-offs—Castle Rock and the Granite Skywalk are local icons, combining granite boulders, steel walkways and forest canopy views that reward both effort and mild vertigo.
South of the ranges, Walpole shelters the Valley of the Giants, where the Tree Top Walk allows you to meander through the upper reaches of a red tingle forest—some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world. It’s a gentle, accessible experience that brings an elevated perspective on the region’s unique biodiversity.
On the coast, Denmark delivers a greatest hits collection of natural wonders. Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks in William Bay National Park are famed for their turquoise water and photogenic granite formations, but they take on a wilder, more dramatic beauty in winter. Swells crash, winds whip through the heathland, and the ocean stretches uninterrupted to Antarctica. Other nearby gems include Lights Beach, with its layered shorelines, and the ever-popular Ocean Beach, where surfers, swimmers and strollers all find a place.
Further east, Albany’s coastline ups the drama with geological spectacles like The Gap and Natural Bridge in Torndirrup National Park—wind-battered, salt-sprayed platforms where the sheer power of the Southern Ocean is on full display. Don’t miss Misery Beach, ironically beautiful and historically significant, named for the lamentations of local Noongar women whose stories are etched into the soul of this place. Voted Tourism Australia’s Most Beautiful Beach in 2022, it’s a must-stop for both its tranquillity and its tale.
From ocean spray to granite trails, the Great Southern’s raw beauty stirs the soul—but just as nourishing are the flavours found around the next bend.
A Feast for the Senses
If Denmark is the region’s soulful centre, Pepper & Salt is its culinary heart. Helmed by the affable Chef Silas Masih, this intimate restaurant overlooks the vineyard at Forest Hill and delivers a deft fusion of Fijian-Indian flavours and local produce. Think spice-rubbed lamb, coconut-laced seafood, and a wine list that proudly champions the region’s own. Lunch is the only sitting—long, indulgent, and best booked well in advance.
Just a short drive from town, The Lake House Denmark offers another quintessential Great Southern experience. Alongside their celebrated wines, the award-winning Vinofood range—chutneys, relishes, and gourmet condiments—is a highlight in its own right. The café serves a relaxed, share-friendly menu built around local ingredients and their own condiments. It’s a lovely spot for a leisurely afternoon, best followed by a wander through the picturesque grounds.
For a more rustic but equally rewarding experience, head to Duckett’s Mill Wines and Denmark Farmhouse Cheese. This charming destination lets you sample cheeses made onsite alongside distinctive estate wines. It’s a genuine paddock-to-plate—or perhaps curd-to-glass—experience, with insights into the cheesemaking process and the chance to assemble your own picnic. The tasting room strikes a relaxed tone, making it easy to explore the best of both viticulture and dairy.
In Mount Barker, The Dam is something of a revelation—part restaurant, part distillery, and part architectural showpiece. The menu takes local produce seriously, elevating even a humble salad to standout status. Plan ahead and consider leaving the car behind: cocktails by international mixologist Sam Noleto feature spirits from the onsite CBD distillery and are as expertly crafted as they are conversation-worthy.
Over in Albany, Majuba Bistro invites you to linger over a European-inspired dinner. The service is warm, the wine list well-curated, and the menu strikes that happy balance between comfort and finesse. It’s the sort of place where saying yes to dessert—or another glass—isn’t indulgent, just wise.
And while the food scene more than holds its own, the region’s real grape expectations are met in the vineyards.
Sip Happens: Wines of the Great Southern WA
In a state known for bold reds and sunny cellar doors, the Great Southern quietly excels in elegance. It’s the largest wine region in Western Australia by land area, and arguably the most diverse—both in landscape and in style. Here, maritime breezes meet ancient soils, and the result is a cooler, more restrained expression of wine. Think structure, minerality, and grace—wines that reward attention rather than demand it.
The region unfolds as a patchwork of subregions, each with its own microclimate and signature varieties:
- Mount Barker is the birthplace of Great Southern wine. Expect structured shiraz and pristine riesling with taut acidity and age-worthy finesse.
- Frankland River, cooler still and slightly inland, is cabernet country—elegant, leafy and long-lived—with increasingly impressive shiraz and malbec rounding out the offering.
- Porongurup, wrapped around granite domes and one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, produces high-toned rieslings and pinot noir with uncommon clarity.
- Denmark hugs the coast and delivers pinot noir and chardonnay with lifted aromatics, fine acid lines, and just a whisper of sea spray. Winemakers here say the conditions are so forgiving, you could grow just about anything.
- Albany, though less established, shows promise with a mix of emerging varietals and young producers testing new ideas.
Among standout producers:
Alkoomi, in Frankland River, is one of the region’s oldest family-run vineyards. Their cabernet sauvignon is textbook Western Australian—structured, herbal, and quietly powerful—while the riesling is clean, crisp, and built to age. The cellar door is unpretentious and welcoming.
In Denmark, Forest Hill fuses heritage with forward-thinking winemaking. Their chardonnay and pinot are particularly strong, reflecting both old-vine pedigree and a commitment to refinement.
Rockcliffe, just minutes from town, offers a relaxed cellar door vibe with a broad portfolio that includes everything from sparkling to sweet, alongside crisp rosé and approachable reds.
Singlefile Wines brings a touch of theatre, with a polished cellar door, attentive tastings, and the now-iconic geese in the vineyards. Expect beautifully structured chardonnays and balanced reds, with occasional library releases that make lingering worthwhile.
Castle Rock Estate, in the Porongurups, is consistently ranked among Australia’s top riesling producers. Their wines are nervy, mineral-driven, and a must for any serious white wine fan.
Locals also recommend Shepherd’s Hut, a boutique producer turning heads for both quality and personality. Meanwhile, West Cape Howe offers excellent value, with a broad range that reliably over-delivers.
And while not technically a winery, CBD at The Dam deserves a mention. Their vodka and gin, distilled onsite, bring a grassy complexity and a bit of fun to the drinks list.
From lean, lime-zipped rieslings to graceful, cool-climate cabernets, the Great Southern is quietly redefining what West Australian wine can be—less muscle, more nuance, and always a sense of place.
After a day exploring vineyards—from the heights of Porongurup to the heritage vines around Denmark—you’ll want somewhere exceptional to rest. The Great Southern’s lodgings match its wines: thoughtful, place‑driven and perfectly suited to unwinding in style.
Where to Stay in Denmark & Albany: From Rustic to Refined
Whatever your style of travel, the Great Southern has an address to match.
For spa-side serenity, Chimes Spa Retreat in Denmark delivers grown-up indulgence with panoramic views of the Wilson Inlet. Rooms are large and well-appointed, with spa baths, plush beds, and a lovely continental breakfast in the conservatory. The onsite day spa is a welcome bonus after long days on the wine trail.
If you prefer something more design-forward, Stillwood Retreat offers a striking architectural “shed” surrounded by nature. Polished concrete floors, curated art, and expansive forest views framed like postcards through floor-to-ceiling windows create a space that is both effortlessly Instagrammable and genuinely restful. The property includes two dams, one with a private jetty perfect for coffee breaks, picnics, or sundowners.
Perched above Goode Beach, Latitude 35°5 might be the most impressive home we’ve ever stayed in. This architect-designed four-bedroom residence resembles a magnificent chapel, devoted to showcasing some of the most breathtaking views in the region. The panorama is so vast, you can watch both sunrise and sunset without straining your neck.
For those craving a digital detox, Heyscape Tiny Cabins provide minimalist escapes tucked into the forest or farmland. Our Denmark cabin, with its forest-edge position overlooking the wild coastline and stargazing window above the bed, was the ideal spot to disconnect and slow right down.
And for a fresh take on luxury, Wine Tree Estate pairs off-grid living with the indulgence of the Denmark Chocolate Lounge on the same site. Powered by solar energy and supplied by rainwater, this is where sustainability meets style. The generously spaced chalets are beautifully designed, making them ideal for couples or families looking for seclusion without compromise.
Great Southern WA: Travel Tips & Essentials
- When to Visit: Spring (Sept–Nov) brings wildflowers, mild weather, and great hiking. Summer is warmer and drier. Autumn is ideal for wine lovers—harvest season buzzes with energy. Winter brings misty mornings, truffle menus, and fireside wines.
- Getting Around: A car is essential. The distances are generous and public transport sparse. Plan your days around clusters of activities (e.g. Denmark, Mount Barker, Albany) to maximise time and tastings.
- Getting There: From Kuala Lumpur, AirAsia flies direct to Perth in just over five hours. From Perth, it’s a scenic drive south—Denmark is about 430 km away. Albany has a small regional airport if you’d rather skip the road trip.
- Pro Tips: Book winery lunches in advance, especially on weekends. Dress in layers—coastal winds can surprise even in summer. And keep an esky in the boot for transporting cheeses, wines, and other gourmet goodies safely back to base.
Great Southern, WA – Your Next Gourmet Destination
The Great Southern WA isn’t a detour—it’s a destination. Rich in beauty, bounty and balance, it offers all the indulgence of a wine holiday without the crowds. Whether you’re truffle-hunting in the forest, sipping riesling at a mountaintop vineyard, or watching the stars from your tiny cabin, one thing’s for sure: you’ll leave full—in body, mind and spirit.
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